San Diego Employment Attorney

Legal Representation for San Diego Employees in Workplace Disputes, Harassment, or Wage Claims.

As your dedicated San Diego employment attorney, Waltman Employment Law offers personalized guidance and advocacy to protect your rights and challenge workplace injustices.

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Sadly, some employers resort to retaliatory actions when employees report workplace issues such as harassment, discrimination, or other unlawful conduct. Retaliation can take many forms, including demotion, termination, reduced hours, or threats. These responses often worsen an already challenging situation.

California provides strong legal protections to prevent adverse employment actions taken against employees for exercising their rights. Because these laws can be complex, seeking guidance from a San Diego employment attorney can help you understand what workplace retaliation looks like and how to respond.

At Waltman Employment Law, we help employees navigate California’s workplace retaliation laws and understand their protections and available options when facing difficult workplace circumstances.

If you need assistance with workplace retaliation, employment discrimination, or a workers’ compensation issue, call us. We are available to discuss your situation and help you determine the next steps.

Meet Rick Waltman

Attorney Rick Waltman has a wealth of experience in corporate defense at renowned national law firms. However, driven by a deep sense of justice and purpose, he redirected his focus and skills toward advocating for employees whose rights have been infringed upon. 

Rick graduated cum laude from the University of San Diego School of Law, where he was recognized as an “Outstanding Public Interest Advocate.” His unwavering compassion and dedication continue to guide his legal practice by fighting for employee rights. This commitment led to the establishment of Waltman Employment Law, where he represented employees seeking justice and fairness.

Rick’s exceptional ability to navigate complex legal situations has earned him well-deserved acclaim. Super Lawyers honored him as a “Rising Star” in 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023, a testament to his outstanding skills. Moreover, he stands as one of the top 2.5% of attorneys in San Diego, solidifying his reputation as a highly accomplished professional. 

Alongside his legal advocacy, Rick is a passionate baseball enthusiast with a special place in his heart for the San Diego Padres, his favorite team.

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Why Choose Waltman Employment Law?

When you are dealing with a difficult workplace situation, you deserve a law firm that takes the time to understand what you are going through. At Waltman Employment Law, we listen closely, learn the details of your experience, and approach each case with care and attention.
Our background includes years in employment law, along with experience on the employer side, which provides helpful insight into how companies respond to workplace disputes. This perspective guides the thoughtful and informed approach we bring to every employee we represent.
Every case deserves individualized attention. We take the time to understand your circumstances and goals before developing a plan that reflects your needs. From start to finish, we aim to provide steady support and clear communication throughout the process.

Experience:  Rick Waltman’s prior work defending employers gives him insight into how companies handle employment claims.

Tailored Strategies: Because every case is different, we develop personalized legal strategies based on your situation.

Compassion and Dedication:We understand the stress of workplace issues and support our clients throughout the process.

Transparency: We keep open lines of communication and provide updates at every stage.

Awards and Recognition: Our firm has been recognized by Super Lawyers, including selection to the “Rising Stars” list.

Our Primary Practice Areas

At Waltman Employment Law, we are dedicated to protecting employees’ rights in various workplace situations, including:

Wrongful Termination

Did you lose your job unfairly, possibly due to discriminatory reasons? We can help you address this injustice.

If you have suffered a wrongful termination, Waltman Employment Law is here to support you. We can guide you through a wrongful termination lawsuit or employment discrimination action. We have a proven track record of successfully litigating these intricate cases and will leverage our experience to advocate for the justice and compensation you rightly deserve.

Retaliation Claims and Medical Leave Rights

Afraid to speak out after taking medical leave or seeking accommodations? We’re your advocates.

Employers occasionally retaliate against employees who take medical or family leave, an outright violation of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). If you have experienced such adverse employment action or employer retaliation, our San Diego retaliation attorney offers the vital legal assistance you need to ensure your employer is held accountable.

Pregnancy and Maternity Leave Discrimination

Facing discrimination due to pregnancy or maternity leave is unlawful and unacceptable. Let us stand with you.

State and federal laws protect pregnancy and maternity leave, ensuring employees receive their rightful entitlements. Any employer who unlawfully denies maternity leave or discriminates against pregnant employees may face serious legal consequences. We understand California employment law and are dedicated to providing the support you need to protect your rights and seek justice.

Harassment

Don’t let harassment slide. Let us help you reclaim your peace of mind.

Workplace harassment takes many forms, from sexual harassment to verbal assault. Not only is harassment a violation of employees’ rights, but no one should have to tolerate such behavior. At Waltman Employment Law, we protect you from these unlawful actions, prove retaliation, and ensure your employer is accountable for their behavior.

Overtime

Employers are responsible for ensuring fair compensation for employees’ working hours, even for overtime. If you ever find yourself in a situation where your employer failed to adequately pay you due to misclassification, unauthorized deductions, or failure to abide by California regulations, Waltman Employment Law is here for you. We can help you pursue lost wages and the compensation you deserve under California labor laws.

Breaks

In California, employees have the right to various breaks, like meal breaks and rest periods. Sadly, some employers unlawfully deny or fail to provide these breaks. If you ever find yourself in this situation, Waltman Employment Law provides the legal support and representation you need to hold your employer accountable.

Wage and Hour Disputes

If you’ve worked for it, you deserve to get paid. We ensure you get what you’re owed.

Workplace disputes about wages and hours are, unfortunately, quite common. If you have been unfairly paid or denied your rightful earnings, Waltman Employment Law can help. Our workplace retaliation attorney will navigate the complexities of the legal landscape to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Class Actions and Other Representative Actions

There’s strength in numbers when fighting injustice. We handle class actions proficiently.

Sometimes, employees may need to come together and assert their rights collectively, like through class or representative actions. These efforts can be complex and require the knowledge of experienced legal professionals. That is precisely why Waltman Employment Law is here to provide the crucial support and guidance needed in such situations.

Workplace Discrimination

Employee discrimination has no place in the workplace. We’ll help you fight back.

Workplace discrimination affects many people in different industries. This discrimination typically includes unfair treatment or bias based on things like age, race, gender, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. At Waltman Employment Law, we fight against workplace discrimination and advocate for justice for our clients.

Testimonials

Exceptional Employment Law Attorney I recently had the privilege of working with Rick Waltman as my employment law attorney. I couldn’t be more impressed with his dedication, expertise and commitment to my rights. From start to finish, his professionalism and genuine concern for my case made an incredible impact on my experience. I felt confident and safe knowing that my case was in his hands…

Anne C.

5 star rating

I had the privilege of working with “Dr Rick”, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the outcome of my case. From the moment he took my case, he demonstrated a deep understanding of employment law and its complexities, providing invaluable guidance and support throughout the entire process. His professionalism, expertise, and attention to detail were unmatched…

Tom L.

5 star rating

I really recommend Rick, he helped me so much with my case and kept me updated throughout the process until everything was taken care of. He took the time to fully understand my case and was able to get me a settlement. Rick was always eager to help when I called and was very professional.

Michael S.

5 star rating

When you don’t know where to start call Rick Waltman. He has a willingness to listen, knowledge of the law, and is very compassionate. He has good judgment and will make you feel at ease, if that is even possible when dealing with litigation. Thank you for all you have helped me through.

Amanda F.

5 star rating

I worked with Rick to help with C-level employment contract reviews. He had a wealth of information, particularly with regards to California law. It gave me a high level of confidence in my decision-making. This, as someone else also indicated, was not a large payoff, and one which several others I’d come across first turned down, but fortunately for me, one was kind enough to pass along Rick’s information…

Kevin B.

5 star rating

My case was rather “small”, meaning NOT a huge payoff for me or the attorney. After other law firms blew me off, Rick took my case, did his job, and got me the money! His communication is timely, clear, and professional. He had my back and I had confidence in him. I highly recommend his services, because he got me THE MONEY!!

Lane K.

5 star rating

FAQ

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When should I contact a San Diego employment attorney?

You may want to contact a San Diego employment attorney if you are facing issues such as discrimination, retaliation, unpaid wages, harassment, wrongful termination, or other workplace concerns. An attorney can help you understand your rights and available options.

How do I know if I’m experiencing workplace retaliation in San Diego?

Retaliation may occur if an employer takes negative action after you report misconduct, request accommodations, or assert your workplace rights. A San Diego employment attorney can help you review the circumstances.

What should I do if my employer retaliates after I file a complaint?

Document the events, keep copies of relevant communication, and consider contacting a San Diego employment attorney to understand your options under California law.

What qualifies as workplace discrimination under California law?

Discrimination may involve unfavorable treatment based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, disability, age, religion, or national origin. A San Diego employment attorney can help assess whether the conduct may violate state or federal law.

Can I file a discrimination claim if I am still employed?

Yes. Many employees seek legal guidance while they are still working. A San Diego employment attorney can help you understand your rights while evaluating the situation.

What is considered a hostile work environment in California?

A hostile work environment may involve unwelcome conduct that is severe or pervasive enough to affect your work conditions. A San Diego employment attorney can explain how California defines and evaluates harassment claims.

Should I report harassment to my employer before contacting an attorney?

Reporting is often recommended, but every situation is different. A San Diego employment attorney can help you determine the best approach based on your circumstances.

How do I know if my termination was wrongful?

A termination may raise legal concerns if it violates public policy, anti-discrimination laws, retaliation protections, or your employment agreement. A San Diego employment attorney can review the details to help you understand your options.

What evidence is helpful in a wrongful termination case?

Performance reviews, emails, texts, witness statements, timelines, and policy documents can be useful. A San Diego employment attorney can help identify which information may be relevant.

Can I pursue unpaid wages or overtime in California?

Yes. California law provides protections for missed breaks, unpaid overtime, and minimum wage violations. A San Diego employment attorney can help you understand your rights and possible next steps.

Ready to Take Action?
Contact Waltman Employment Law

Workplace discrimination and other employment issues can create serious professional and personal challenges. If you are dealing with a difficult situation at work, guidance from an employment attorney in San Diego can help you understand your rights and the options available to you.
At Waltman Employment Law, we offer support in navigating California employment laws, including whistleblower protections, the California Labor Code, and relevant federal regulations. Our background in employment matters allows us to approach each case with careful attention and informed analysis.
If you are ready to discuss your situation and learn more about the steps you can take, contact us today. We are available to schedule a free consultation and help you better understand your workplace rights.